Sober at a Party Where Alcohol is Served

This is a discussion on Sober at a Party Where Alcohol is Served within the Concealed Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Hypothetical question here that will probably get some mixed results, but healthy debate is why we're here!
I've never been much of a drinker--even in ...

Sober at a Party Where Alcohol is Served

Hypothetical question here that will probably get some mixed results, but healthy debate is why we're here!

I've never been much of a drinker--even in college, I just didn't see the point, and have never needed alcohol to have a good time. All my friends know this, and for this reason, I'm almost always the designated driver.

I would NEVER carry my gun while I've had any alcohol. For me, this is a no brainer, especially in Michigan where .02 BAC can get your CPL revoked for a year.

Say I went to a house party where alcohol was being served. I've had no drinks and don't plan on having any because I'm the DD. Am I legally allowed to carry?

Even if it is legal, I anticipate a lot of "it's not a good idea" responses, but IMO, just because others are drinking, my right to self-defense shouldn't be forfeited. Someone who is drunk can do just as much bodily harm to me as someone sober.

I'd take a guess and say it depends on the state your in. In PA, you can be in a bar, party or whatever and drink if you choose to. Other states, not so. If it's legal to be in a bar without drinking in MI, I'd assume a party would be ok.

Say I went to a house party where alcohol was being served. I've had no drinks and don't plan on having any because I'm the DD. Am I legally allowed to carry?

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You certainly would be in Colorado. Whether or not it would be wise to do so would depend a lot on the nature of the party. If it's a party attended by responsible adults as opposed to a drunken brawl where trouble is likely to be on the menu for the evening, you may be OK. I personally prefer to avoid gatherings where the booze is flowing.

Here in FL. It's illegal to carry in a bar or be in the bar part of a restaurant that primarily serves food. Again, you have to check local laws. If you're concerned, you could leave your weapon secured in the car since you're the DD.

I'd take a guess and say it depends on the state your in. In PA, you can be in a bar, party or whatever and drink if you choose to. Other states, not so. If it's legal to be in a bar without drinking in MI, I'd assume a party would be ok.

Not to derail the thread, but I was at the understanding you can not legally be in a bar while CCing in PA. Also, if you can drink while CCing in PA, whats the BAC which it becomes illegal?

As for the original thread, I would carry all the time if I dont plan to drink at a party. Then again, most of the 'parties' I attend are no more than 8ppl getting together and playing card games or just talking and watching a movie.

Lets use some common sense. As far as I know, there are no laws in any State that say you can not be at a private party and not carry a gun.

There are laws in various States which say you can not consume alcohol while carrying, and there are States where you can not go into a restaurant or bar while carrying a gun.

But as far as I know, there are no States that say you can not carry a gun when "other people" are drinking!

Now, with all that said, there are things like the The Rule of Stupids, of which there are several variations a lot of people adhere to when carrying a gun simply to avoid trouble. Among those variations is this one which states:

So, some would say, going to a "party" where lots of liquor is being consumed, one can reasonable see where a lot of stupid things can happen with a variety of stupid people. Some people say, why would I even be around a situation where I may end up in a situation that could risk my being able to carry a gun in the future.

However, people have to use their own judgment!

I have been to lots of parties at peoples homes where alcohol is being consumed, yet is still a wholesome environment. People over for a dinner party or some event where the guests are responsible adults, no raging alcoholics who don't know how to behave, no juvenile behavior, and no one starts beating their wife or some other outrageous event. When I go to those kind of parties and I have my gun, I won't drink. If I intend to drink when I go, I will leave my gun at home.

I avoid loud boisterous "frat party" type events where the host's furniture gets broken, the police get called for noise complaints, intoxicated people start ripping off their clothes and outrageous behavior like that is common place.

I think we all know the difference between the two types of parties I've described. Regardless of the party I'm at, whether I have my gun with me or not, if stupid stuff does start to happen, it's usually my cue for my wife and I to head home for the evening.

I deal with that kind of crap on the job all the time. I really get tired of dealing with drunks and don't need it in my personal life.

Hypothetical question here that will probably get some mixed results, but healthy debate is why we're here!

I've never been much of a drinker--even in college, I just didn't see the point, and have never needed alcohol to have a good time. All my friends know this, and for this reason, I'm almost always the designated driver.

I would NEVER carry my gun while I've had any alcohol. For me, this is a no brainer, especially in Michigan where .02 BAC can get your CPL revoked for a year.

Say I went to a house party where alcohol was being served. I've had no drinks and don't plan on having any because I'm the DD. Am I legally allowed to carry?

Even if it is legal, I anticipate a lot of "it's not a good idea" responses, but IMO, just because others are drinking, my right to self-defense shouldn't be forfeited. Someone who is drunk can do just as much bodily harm to me as someone sober.

Looking forward to everyone's responses.

Given the scenario that you have. I see no reason to not carry. Your in a private residence. Your not drinking. As far as I know, no state prohibits you from being in a private residence where alcohol is being served. Just remember people tend to do stupid things when drinking. Don't let their stupidity cause you to make a bad decision.

In MI, being at a home where people are drinking and you are not?
It is not illegal for you to be there.
At my age, I'm thinking about adults having a few drinks and having a few laughs...not a problem.
Now, if you're at a 21-25 year old drinking party where somebody is going to become a 'liquid superman'...I'd split the scene quickly if I were armed. No good can come of that. OMOYMV

In Ohio, you're forbidden from carrying a firearm in an establishment with a "Class D" (liquor by the drink) liquor license. I don't know many "houses" that have them.

Assuming that your host(s) didn't mind you carrying and you didn't yourself become impaired (I don't drink AT ALL when I'm carrying, regardless of the venue), it doesn't matter how much anyone ELSE drinks.

That having been said, I don't hang around with people who get drunk and start trouble, at bars or at home. I don't have the slightest problem with being around other people drinking responsibly while I'm carrying. I just won't be one of them. Before I got laid off (and when I visit the office), my boss and the old who who uses an office there usually have a drink after business hours. I did as well until I got my CHL and started carrying.

Soon, I hope I'll have the right to carry into an Ohio restaurant with a Class D license and not drink.

Not to derail the thread, but I was at the understanding you can not legally be in a bar while CCing in PA. Also, if you can drink while CCing in PA, whats the BAC which it becomes illegal?

Not wanting to start a debate on drinking and carrying but, no, you can legally carry in a bar and consume alcohol while doing so in PA. There is no BAC limit. If you get into any trouble while being drunk, you will probably lose your LTCF. Remember the character clause on your application? "An individual whose character and reputation is such that the individual would be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety." No trouble, no problem as far as legality.

I don't drink at all so it's not an issue W/ me but it's is legal to Carry in a place that sells alcohol and you can drink but not be legally intoxicated. At a house party I'd keep my mouth shut and carry.

Here in FL. It's illegal to carry in a bar or be in the bar part of a restaurant that primarily serves food. Again, you have to check local laws. If you're concerned, you could leave your weapon secured in the car since you're the DD.

The question did not say at a bar or restaurant, it is at a private residence. Carry in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol for consumption laws do not apply.